I went to a tea ceremony practice!
Hello everyone! Today I would like to share with you my experience of going to a tea ceremony practice. I first became interested in the tea ceremony because of the allure of matcha (powdered green tea), but once I actually started learning the tea ceremony, I became more and more fascinated by its depth.
My First Tea Ceremony Experience
When I stepped into the tearoom where the tea ceremony was practiced, I was struck by the unique sense of quietness and serenity that pervaded the room. Inside the tea ceremony room, the smell of the tatami mats and the subdued lighting was pleasant, and I felt as if my mind was being refreshed. In the special space of the tea ceremony room, I was able to calm my mind away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Practicing Otsukumae (tea ceremony)
At our first practice session, we were taught basic odatemae (tea ceremony etiquette). The teacher slowly showed us a sample and we were impressed by the beauty of her movements. I learned that each movement had a meaning, such as how to use a tea whisk, how to hold a tea bowl, and how to sit in seiza, and I felt the depth of the tea ceremony.
My hands trembled with nervousness when I actually performed the tea ceremony myself, but thanks to the kind guidance of the teacher, I managed to make matcha tea. My movements were awkward at first, but after repeating them many times, I gradually became accustomed to them.
The Spirit of the Tea Ceremony
What I learned through the practice of the tea ceremony is not only its manners, but also its spirituality. As the phrase “once in a lifetime encounter” suggests, I learned to cherish each moment. The concern in welcoming guests and the concept of valuing harmony with nature are things that can be applied to our daily lives as well.
Conclusion
Practicing the tea ceremony is not just about enjoying matcha, but it is a precious time to prepare your mind and face yourself. I would like to incorporate what I have learned through the tea ceremony into my daily life and enrich my mind. I would like to continue to attend practice regularly and learn more about the world of tea ceremony.
Why don’t you all give the tea ceremony a try? You will have a wonderful time to calm your mind.
I hope that this blog post has conveyed the charm of the tea ceremony to our readers and has aroused their interest in the subject. Please share the insights and impressions you gain through your tea ceremony experience with as many people as you can.